When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.”
Today, December 28, we remember the Holy Innocents - a Christmas season feast day. This is the feast of the children murdered because Herod did not want the Christ Child to come into the world, or more accurately - he did not want Christ to change his life. Herod’s true god was power. He was willing to do whatever it took to eliminate every threat to that power - even if that threat was innocent children; even if that threat is the Hope of the World.
Here are two thoughts for you. First, how do you keep Christ from entering your world? What barriers do you have up to hold onto whatever you truly value? How can you change?
Second, remember today the holocaust of innocent life that goes on every day with abortion. Women and the men in their lives (or those who leave their responsibilities) are killing innocents by the millions. What god do they serve? Convenience? Independence? Opportunity? Wealth? What God do the judges serve that protect this evil? And the organizations like NOW that argue for its legality, what God do they serve? Like Herod, it is not Christ they serve, but Christ they seek to destroy.
Pray for those who are tempted to this evil. Pray for those who have made this fateful choice, that they may repent and be reconciled to God. Pray for those who defend and advocate this practice, that their hearts may be softened so they may be converted to Christ.
